If there’s one time of year when Walt Disney World becomes a hub of both holiday magic and overwhelming crowds, it’s the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Kids are on school break, many adults take time off work, and Florida’s mild winter weather invites countless visitors to the parks. These factors create a perfect storm for long lines, packed pathways, and overworked Cast Members.
Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, the holiday charm of Walt Disney World continues to shine brightly.
Related: Holiday Chaos at Disney World as Crowds Crush Magic Kingdom Park
EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, for instance, draws guests in with its festive food booths, seasonal performances like the Candlelight Processional, and beautifully adorned pavilions around the World Showcase.
The Magic Kingdom dazzles with twinkling lights on Cinderella Castle, elaborate decorations on Main Street, U.S.A., and the ongoing Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Sunset Seasons Greetings light show transforms the Hollywood Tower Hotel into a dazzling display of yuletide cheer. And let’s not forget Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where the Tree of Life glimmers with holiday-inspired projections.
Related: EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays Faces Backlash Over Pricing and Experience
However, the festive ambiance doesn’t make the crowds any easier to navigate. One particular line at EPCOT recently stunned guests with its sheer length.
An Unbelievable Queue for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, located in the France Pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, has been a fan-favorite since its debut. However, even regular parkgoers were floored when the line to experience this beloved attraction stretched all the way into the Morocco Pavilion!
The astonishing sight left one guest, X (formerly Twitter) user @TheConnorWeb, in disbelief.
IM SORRY WHAT?
REMY LINE IS LITERALLY IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY
IM SORRY WHAT?
REMY LINE IS LITERALLY IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY. pic.twitter.com/xp5oamif0i
— TheConnorWebb (@TheConnorWeb) December 27, 2024
Related: Disney Wouldn’t Pad Standby Wait Times…Would They?
For context, the Morocco Pavilion is adjacent to the France Pavilion, but Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is located at the very back of the France Pavilion. This means the line snaked through the entirety of France before spilling over into Morocco. While high wait times are to be expected during this peak season, it’s uncommon for a line to grow this long—even for such a popular ride.
Crowds Across the Parks
Long lines weren’t limited to EPCOT. Across Walt Disney World, guests reported jaw-dropping wait times for several attractions on December 26. TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom averaged a two-hour wait, as did Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance both exceeded two hours at various points during the day.
But the crown for longest wait time went to Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora – The World of Avatar. Guests waited an eye-watering 220 minutes (that’s nearly four hours!) to experience the breathtaking journey on the back of a banshee.
With wait times stretching across countries and hours, we want to hear from you. Would you stand in a line that winds through multiple pavilions just to experience a favorite attraction? Or would you skip the ride and explore other festive offerings instead? Let us know in the comments below!
I noticed you did not mention the wait for persons who paid for the Lightning Lane (or Genie or whatever you want to call it) . I live only 3 miles from entry to Disney World and I have many close friends that work there. The word is they sell 20+ Lightning Lane Passes for every 1 regular queue person waiting in line. The emphasis on selling those “fast pass Lightening Lane” and the effects it has on slowing down the regular queue line is greater than you may think. A shame. And all that information is kept a secret and you have no idea how many people are walking by you at 1/3 to 1/2 the time in line because of the emphasis to maximize amount of money coming in per customer. If you are willing to dump big bucks, the waiting in line is minimal. Good luck.